It took 136 matches to reach the finale of a worthy tournament. When PKL was started back in 2014, no one expected it to be the kind of carnival that it has become for the country. It probably has even eclipsed the expectations of organizers. The seventh season will commence on Saturday, 19th October. The final is scheduled in Ahmadabad and will see two first time finalists battling for the coveted trophy.
The Setting:
The tournament started grandly. The teams showed sensibility in the auction, and team balance trumped the star power in the auction. Three times winner Patna Pirates and the current trophy Holder Bengaluru Bulls were the pre-tournament favorites. Tamil Thalaivas had the most experienced team with a player such as
Manjeet Chillar, Mohit Chillar, national captain Ajay Thakur and the ‘Showman’ Rahul Chaudhari in their ranks. In contrast, Telugu Titans broke their ties with Rahul Chaudhari and trusted a new wingman in Siddharth Desai.
How Teams Fared:
If someone has to describe this season in one sentence, it could be said that this season was an exchange of baton. The top dogs struggled, whereas many young bloods emerged. The most experienced team on paper Tamil Thalaivas could not even manage five wins. In contrast, top raiders such a Pradeep Narwal, Rahul Chaudhari and to an extent even Pawan Singh Sherawat struggled to leave a mark. Mohit Chillar, one of the most decorated defenders in the history, struggled to find a place in starting seven by the time season commenced. Bengal Warriors
and Dabbang Delhi, two teams who have had their share of struggles in the previous seasons, came out as two most unexpected finalists.
Dabbang Delhi: What to Expect?
Best Raider: Naveen Kumar- 285 points
Best Defender: Ravinder Pahal -62 points.
Strong defence, one unstoppable raider and a bunch of supporting heroes performing their duties with perfection. This probably says everything about the Dabbang Delhi team this year. They have done wonders with the team. The two corners in Ravinder Pahal and Joginder Narwal work in tandem and score points at will. Amit Kumar, who was expected to play a supporting role, is in the form of his life. If Vishal Mane managed to find his feet, Delhi’s defence would be unbreachable. ‘Naveen Kumar’, a debutant has scored 20 super 10’s. They have the perfect support raider in Chandran Ranjit 123 points this season.
Bengal Warriors: What to Expect?
Best Raider: Maninder Singh -205 Points
Best Defender: Baldev Singh – 65 points.
Their victory against the strong U-Mumba in the semis has made them the favourites. The win was more special because it came in the absence of their star raider Maninder Singh. Their corners in Baldev Singh and Rinku Narwal have been highly consistent throughout the tournament. However, their strength comes from their raiders. The Semi-final highlighted the real power of this team. Sukesh Hegde, K Prapanjan, Maninder Singh and the Iranian beast Esmaeil provides them with many ranges in the raiding department. Jeeva Kumar brings experience and makes the team look solid in the middle.
Final: What to expect?
Delhi has been outstanding throughout the season. However, if someone can match them, it has to the team from Kolkata. If Maninder is fit for the match he Bengal just might have the edge.
What do you think of the finale? Who will Win?
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